To equip leaders with the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to advance progress on complex, adaptive challenges – and opportunities – facing people and nature, the Center founded and chairs a university-wide graduate certificate program on Natural Resource Conflict Resolution.
This is the only graduate-level program in the nation specifically designed to provide students with a working knowledge of the theory and practice of collaboration and conflict resolution as applied to natural resources and environmental issues.
Students and faculty from more than 15 different disciplines regularly participate in courses and practicum projects. Students also have the opportunity to connect to the Center’s projects and partners throughout the program, practicing essential collaborative leadership skills while fostering relationships with practitioners, agency staff, scholars, and communities across Montana, the region, and the globe.
The program is co-sponsored by the University of Montana Graduate School, W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation, Alexander III School of Law, and College of Humanities and Sciences. It is administered by the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation and directed by the Center for Natural Resources and Environmental Policy.
For inquiries, contact Travis Anklam at travis.anklam@umt.edu.
Program Requirements
Program Requirements
Three core courses are offered for the Certificate, including:
- Natural Resources Conflict Resolution – 3 Credits, Fall Semester
- Collaborative Skills for Natural Resource Leaders – 3 Credits, Spring Semester
- Practicum in Collaborative Conservation – 3 Credits, Any Semester
We also require six elective credits from two areas of coursework.
- A list of potential courses to fulfill elective credits can be found in the graduate school’s course catalog.
More information on the program and its requirements can be found in the program handbook:
Admissions & Student Guidelines
To be admitted to and complete the NRCR Program, students must:
- Apply and be admitted to the NRCR program certificate program with the graduate school. Each prospective student must submit the following application materials:
- Letter of Intent including:
- A statement of interest.
- How the NRCR Program fits with the student’s academic and professional goals.
- A proposed list of courses —including both required and elective courses— to meet the required number of credits for the program as well as other courses for your graduate degree. Elective courses that are not listed on the suggested list of elective courses must be approved by the NRCR Program Co-Chairs and the faculty advisor.
- Two Letters of Reference from professional or academic recommenders.
- Current Professional Resume.
- Official Transcripts from completed undergraduate and (if applicable) graduate studies.
- Letter of Intent including:
- Meet with the Co-Chairs of the program to review curriculum requirements, including opportunities for a practicum.
- Complete the required and elective courses.
- Prepare a final self-evaluation of knowledge, skills, and abilities, and meet with the Co- Chairs of the NRCR program for an exit interview.
- Receive a Certificate of Achievement in Natural Resources Conflict Resolution.
Upon completing the NRCR Program, students are encouraged to participate in the NRCR Program alumni network.
For detailed information, including admissions, curriculum, and student testimonials, see the following links: